In March 1944, the first African-American naval officers in U.S. history were commissioned at Great Lakes Naval Training Center. Twelve ensigns and one warrant officer made American military history and went on to serve with distinction in World War II. They called themselves the Golden Thirteen. One of these men, William S. White, later became a judge on the Illinois Appellate Court. Today, Building 1405 at Recruit Training Command is dedicated to the Golden Thirteen and their significant contribution to history.